In just over two years at Headquarters Marine Corps, Justin Ahasteen has earned a reputation as an intelligent, articulate professional and demonstrates maturity, initiative and performance beyond his years.

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Brian Shottenkirk, calls him a role model for junior Marines around the world and said that Ahasteen emulates the Corps’ values of honor, courage and commitment. He always puts others before himself and is a tireless worker who is usually the first to arrive and the last to leave the office.

In 2016 alone, Ahasteen donated more than 430 hours of his time volunteering in his community. Highlights of his service include volunteering at the USO on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, providing security at the NOVA Pride Festival, leading a support team during the Navy-Air Force Half Marathon and volunteering as the lead escort for the Defense Department’s Spirit of Recognition events.

Ahasteen, an Arizona native who was raised on a Navajo Reservation, is pursuing a career in law to advocate for Native American families and to represent his tribal nation in governmental affairs at the state and federal levels.

Ahasteen’s willingness to help others, his dedication and selfless volunteerism have had a profound and positive impact on his command and the community.

Their journey is everyone's responsibility. From the moment they enlist, through their assignments and deployments, and as they transition back to their communities, they can rely on your support.